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Amplifier in '95 850 GLT 850 1995

posted by  Nora on  Tue Apr 29 13:11 CST 2003
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Hi all, I am new to car audio but looking to do a subwoofer install (wtih some help from my friends)...I recently visited a car audio store to get information and look at the subs and amps available. After explaining a little about my preferences, the employee who assisted me said that my Volvo has a separate amplifier built in, and if he were to do the install (of the new head unit, the sub, amplifier, and speakers), he would need to circumvent this amplifier and wire around it. Now, I have done a little bit of research into this, and I have not found anything about an amplifier separate from the 4x25w amp in the premium head unit that came with the GLT model. Any ideas?
Additionally, if there are any experienced audiophiles out there, I am having a dilemma. I was set on getting a Focal Access 27 Lux (11") sub, which produces 250 RMS (small on power, but sounded good at the audio shop) and comes in its own custom enclosure. I could get this for about $295 and then a 5-channel amp to run the sub and then the speakers. On the other hand, my friend is selling his Audiobahn Alum10x for $150, and this sub produces 800w RMS (so much difference in terms of power!). I would then have to get a class-D amp, and I guess I could run the speakers off the new Pioneer head unit. Then I would also need to construct an enclosure or buy a premade one. However, I have heard that Volvo sedan trunks are very soundproof. I was leaning more towards the Focal but hoping that it would have enough go power to get the bass really going (not really sure how much power I need, but I am focusing on sound quality, not SPL). Any suggestions here? Or any other routes you think I am overlooking but would be a better choice? I am trying to not have to spend excessive amounts of money, and I thought I knew what I wanted, but this situation is now truly confusing to me. Not sure which path to take. Any advice would be ever so helpful!
One last thing...anyone know the speaker dimensions in the '95 850 GLT? Thanks!

Nora








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    Amplifier in '95 850 GLT 850 1995

    posted by  someone claiming to be billy dee on  Wed Apr 30 06:35 CST 2003 [RELATED]

    Nora-the speaker size is 5.25 for the doors and 6x9(or something very close) for the rear shelf. The amp for you radio is built-in! If your changing your head unit, then go with an amp with speaker level inputs to power the speakers and also power the sub. If you go this route I saw get an amp with about 300-400 watts. Another(and fairly cheap) route would be to get a powered amp(like the bass-link always on Ebay for cheap) and you could still use your OEM radio. If YOU Want a decent system, then I would go the new headunit, amp and sub & door speakers route. Plan to spend about $800 total. the best of luck, D








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    Amplifier in '95 850 GLT 850 1995

    posted by  steve s on  Tue Apr 29 14:06 CST 2003
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    last visit: Thu Mar 10 02:18 CST 2011
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    i recently put in an amp to power new speakers. u can still used the head unit to connect to the amp. if u still have the sc811 unit, there is an amp 6-pin din socket that u can fabricate out to hook up the rca wires.


    most 850 models do not have the amp, at least in the u.s. the amp were available on the t5-r and r cars and were either behind the dash or under one of the seats.








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    Amplifier in '95 850 GLT 850 1995

    posted by  someone claiming to be Mike H on  Tue Apr 29 13:27 CST 2003 [RELATED]


    The best thing to do is replace the radio with something more adequate for what you have planned... maybe something with mp3 capable.

    If you plan on keeping the volvo deck you can always use hi-input to the amp instead of using what is preferred, low-input (rca style)

    if your friend thinks he can go around the built in amp then go right ahead but most likely you'll wreck the volvo deck all together and blow alot of fuses. (remember you dont want to do anything that can wreck the computer) or else you will be plaqued with all sorts of problems. IMO







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